The Chaco War was the result of Bolivia and Paraguay fighting over the access to the Paraguay War. The war lasted 3 years, from 1932 to 1935. Both sides lost over 100,00 men, with Paraguay eventually declared the winner. During the war, many Paraguayan Indians were forced into compulsory service, while the oil companies were accused of supporting Bolivia. The fighting area in the Chaco was terrible. The land gave many soldiers unknown diseases and infections, and was densely forrested, reducing mobilization. Eventually a cease-fire was declared in 1935, with a truce signed in 1938. Paraguay now owns 3/4 of the Chaco. Alfredo Stroessner came out of this war to declare presidency and control the country (Lindsay).
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